Wild camping UK: Brits warned viral trend could lead to £2,500 fines this Easter

Wild camping might be nothing new, but it’s having a major moment right now.

With spring well underway and temperatures rising, more Brits are heading outdoors in search of affordable, nature-filled getaways – fuelled by a surge in social media content. The hashtag #WildCamping has racked up more than 301.8 million views on TikTok, while more than 32,000 posts showcase scenic overnight spots. 

Meanwhile, UK Google searches for “where can you wild camp in the UK” and “wild camping UK law” have spiked by more than 5,000% respectively in the past month compared to the previous month*.

With Easter getaways fast approaching, outdoor accommodation experts at Pitchup.com are warning travellers to check the rules before jumping on the trend to avoid breaking the law.

Viral trend blurs the rules around wild camping

Across thousands of TikTok videos, users are showcasing idyllic wild camping spots, often in remote locations far from civilisation. However, while some knowingly bend the rules, others appear unaware that wild camping is restricted across much of the UK - with comments revealing confusion around what is and isn’t allowed.

At the same time, some creators are attempting to promote “responsible” wild camping. In one video, a TikToker advises: “If you’re going to wild camp, be sure to leave no trace.”

They go on to share a set of commonly cited “unwritten rules”:

• Leave no trace, taking all rubbish with you and avoid damaging the ground, including lighting fires
• Arrive late and leave early, to minimise your impact and avoid drawing attention
• Camp out of sight, away from paths and summits

However, Pitchup.com warns that even when following these guidelines, wild camping without permission is still illegal in most parts of the UK, meaning many people inspired by the trend could still be at risk of fines.

Wild Camping could cost you £2,500

While many Brits see wild camping as a free getaway, it can quickly become a costly mistake.

In the most serious cases, fines can reach up to £2,500 – particularly where a simple trespass escalates into a criminal offence, such as aggravated trespass or unauthorised encampments under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022**. 

However, most penalties are far smaller, typically ranging from £50 to £200 for warnings or fixed penalty notices. Some councils, like those in the Lake District or Dartmoor, have also started issuing £100 fines for repeat offenders***.

Dan Yates, Founder Pitchup.com says the reality is usually less severe, “For most people, the reality is being asked to move on, or potentially receiving a smaller fine – but that’s still enough to turn a cheap getaway into a stressful experience. The highest penalties are typically reserved for more serious or disruptive encampments, but the risk is there for anyone who camps without permission.

“Many people are drawn in by what they see on social media and assume it’s a free, easy option, but that’s not always the case.”

Where can you actually wild camp in the UK?

If you are caught wild camping in an area that does not permit it, you can be fined – turning what looks like a “free” camping trip into an expensive one.

The experts at outdoor holiday booking site Pitchup.com explain that while the UK is home to vast areas of countryside perfect for camping, most land is privately owned and comes with strict rules.

• In England, wild camping is only legal with the landowner’s permission. Dartmoor National Park is the only place where it is officially permitted, although restrictions still apply
• In Wales, the rules are similar, and you’ll need permission before pitching up
• In Scotland, wild camping is legal under right-to-roam laws, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

However, even in Scotland there are additional rules in some areas. For example, in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, campers are required to purchase a permit between March and September, typically costing around £4 per night.

Dan adds, “The reality is you don’t need to take the risk. There are thousands of campsites across the UK where you can stay from as little as £5 a night, and hundreds of ‘nearly wild’ options where you can still wake up to incredible views, fresh air and total peace and quiet – all without worrying about fines or being asked to leave.”

Ends

Editors notes

Methodology

*Google search data was collected looking at the past month for the search terms “where can you wild camp in the UK” and “wild camping UK law”. The data is correct as of 19/03/2026.

**GOV UK, Statutory Guidance for Police on Unauthorised Encampments: draft guidance

***Roadtrip Motorhomes, What Happens If You Get Caught Wild Camping in England?

About Pitchup.com

Founded in 2009 by former lastminute.com man, Dan Yates, multi-award-winning Pitchup.com lists 6,000 outdoor accommodation locations in 67 countries in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, including an average of 3,649 live UK sites, providing 38 million annual visitors with a simple platform where they can search for and book a holiday with ease. Since creation, the platform has handled £500 million worth of bookings and booked over 44 million bednights, with 5 million nights taken in the last year alone.

Pitchup.com enables users to search for all types of parks and sites from more than 100 chains right through to one-off campsites and unique outdoor accommodation options, which may have previously lacked a web presence. 

Awards include 2021 Winner, Trade Heroes - Pandemic Heroes Awards (National Farm Attractions Network), 2020, 2019 and 2018 inclusions in the FT1000 (Financial Times’ 1000 fastest growing companies in Europe), and in 2025, ‘Europe’s Long-Term Growth Champion’ (FT) for sustained revenue growth since 2014. In 2025, Pitchup was also awarded a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for the fifth year in a row. In 2026, Pitchup was ranked among the top 50 largest global Online Travel Agents.

www.pitchup.com